Last Saturday we all headed into a part of Atteridgeville where I had not been before. Some went in to do a program with a youth group there, and the rest of us went out to prayer walk. This was an amazing experience. Luke, Amber, Melissa, and I were in a group walking around. I was talking with Amber about my experiences prayer walking when a man began hollering for us to stop and speak with him. We began to speak with him and listen to him. His name was Joseph and he struggled with alcohol. He worked hard and loved his family, but knew he was missing something. He was so encouraged that we were there seeing the people. That we would even come into the township surprised him. We prayed with him and spoke with him and after about 30 minutes he had to go. Then Goliath came up and began to talk with us. He said that he really needed help. That he had once been a born again believer but had fallen away. He wanted to be back in a place of worship but had certain sins keeping him from it. We talked with him for a while and also prayed with him and encouraged him. We asked him to come to church the next day and then he too had to go. While talking with these two men a few children showed up. Constance (a fiery little 5 year old) was the first one I met. We played and a few other boys came over and began to play. I met Ivan, Musa, Tebisu, Cantone, and Carrabo. Constance's mother also came out and we visited and encouraged her, and then prayed with all of them in a circle. It was a lot of fun. We continued to play with the kids and I they stole my heart! We played some soccer games and then we invited them to church. We prayed over them some more and just loved on them. It was a lot of fun. I hoped that they would come the next day, but I didn't know what would happen.
The next morning some of us went to church in Atteridgeville. Church here meets under a big blue and white tent. There were a lot of people there when we drove up, and as we pulled in I saw all the little children from the day before! I started waving and Cantone yelled, "Hello Carrie!" and my heart broke. These are beautiful children, and they are just looking for love. They ended up being taken to Sunday School and I went into church for worship. Worship was amazing and involved a lot of dancing, and getting to know everyone. At one point the lady next to me took me out into the line of dancers and I just followed the lead. Our "Please" drama group performed that drama. And then Pastor Steve gave the message. He spoke on the importance of having God's dream, of asking for the Lord's favor and walking in it. It was great! After a little over 3 hours, church came to a close and we returned to Alabanza. This was such an encouraging and wonderful day!